This was my first Laurie Halse Anderson book. Right off the bat I knew I would going to be slightly uncomfortable because of the subject matter of eating disorders and I was. It was really hard to read but I definitely was engaged, wanting to know what was going to happen to Lia, even though I didn't necessarily like her character. I think my favorite parts of the book were Lia being with her stepsister Emma, seeing how much she wanted to take care of her and be a role model.

Anderson's writing style was one I had never experienced before, it was very haunting and at times all the descriptions made me a little bit unfocused. I did like how Anderson crossed out a lot of words, that was an interesting technique that really showed Lia's internal struggle.

This was a really hard book to read and to like. But then again, eating disorders aren't something to like. It was very hard to watch Lia kill herself, to go from telling herself no I can't eat this to oh but I really want it. I just wanted to strap her down and make her eat. I don't think I've known anyone personally that deals with a severe eating disorder but I could definitely see through this book how much of an internal struggle it is and how heartbreaking it is to not be able to help yourself or even let anyone else help you.

I found the ending to be a bit rushed, I could have used a bit more. Because of how hard it was for me to read I can't say I really liked the book but I'm definitely glad I read it, it was very engaging and powerful. I look forward to reading some of the author's other books that will hopefully be easier for me to digest.

Lia met Cassandra "Cassie" when they were both in grade school. Lia was the popular one. Cassie got picked one for being new and maturing before most of the other girls. You wouldn't imagine Lia and Cassie having anything in common but they shared a lot in common. Like any friends as you grow up you sometimes move apart. This was no different for Lia and Cassie.

Lia and Cassie just wanted to be normal girls and fit in. It is not easy when people around you are have opinions about you, in addition to the many ads that pictured super models as so called "real people". Cassie and Lia want to be skinny. All they have to do is count calories and essentially not eat anything. Why can't everyone understand? They all act they care but they don't really; even Dr. Parker is happy when he hears what he wants to hear.

Wintergirls is a powerful story that touches on the sensitive subject of anorexia. When you inquire into in any touchy subjects, it can be sticky but author, Laurie Halse Anderson does it very well. The whole story was narrated by Lia. It was like I was in her body looking out at the rest of the world. What I liked about this story was that the parents did not give up on Lia. As I have read in so many stories, where the children have troubles the parents just want to ignore the issue and hope it will go away but that was not the case with Lia's parents, especially her mother. I cheered when Lia pulled through and fought her battle to become a fighter. Wintergirls is the first novel I have read by this author but it won't be the last. Wintergirls warmed my heart.

Lia is anorexic. Her disease is a compulsion, something she can't--and doesn't want to--fight. Before, she's always had her best friend Cassie for support. But then Lia was forced into rehab, and now that she is out, Cassie refuses to talk to her anymore, leaving Lia more confused and alone than ever.

And then Cassie dies. Her tragic and rather mysterious death brings up all kinds of unwanted thoughts and feelings that Lia doesn't want to experience. But she has no choice but to face them--Cassie is haunting her, no matter where she goes, reminding Lia of what she didn't do the night of Cassie's death.

Wintergirls is altogether startling, compelling, and in a way, a bit morbid as the spotlight is cast on Lia and how she lives her day-to-day life with her anorexia. Anderson's writing is stark and even lyrical as she effortlessly characterizes Lia into someone that the reader can't help but pity, but loathes to do so at the same time. Lia herself is a hypnotizing narrator: her blunt honesty draws you near, only to twist your heart as she delves deeper into the finer points of her disease and reveals her secret plots to become thin, which, in Anderson's style, manages not to seem completely crazy and twisted, and will allow readers to identify with Lia on some levels. Besides being about anorexia, the novel also has much to do with family, and how they have influenced who Lia has become. The strained relationships and the uncertainties that come with a family that doesn't get along very well are intriguing and support Lia's behavior and character perfectly, making Lia an even more authentic character. Wintergirls is one of those novels that, once started, cannot be set aside easily, and will drive readers to discover Lia's fate. Wintergirls is all at once evocative, exquisite, and painful, and has the power to engulf readers with waves of thought and emotion.